Paresis of peristalsis and ileus lead to death in lactating mice.

Based on the examination of 45 dead and 5 moribund female mice during a 2-year period, we are able to describe a new disease entity: ileus of the small intestine in lactating mice caused by a paresis of peristalsis. Diarrhoea was not observed and inflammation and infectious agents were not found. Females were affected during the 2nd week of their first lactation. The condition may have a mortality rate as high as 40%. It is assumed that exhaustion (calcium, glucose, etc.) is the cause of this condition. Consequently, the development of a dietary supplement or of a special diet for lactating mice may prove beneficial in preventing this disease. Endogenic (Clostridia) or exogenic toxic components may also play a role.